The tragic death of a young Aboriginal man
On January 16 1988, a train driver was making a run from Tamworth towards Sydney. Shortly after leaving the city limits, the driver noticed something lying on the tracks. With horror, he realised it was a person.
This grim discovery kicked off a 30+ year fight to get justice. And revealed deep-seated roots of racism within the justice system.
Source material for the case
Family calls for new inquest 31 years after death of teenager Mark Haines
Mark Haines was found dead on the train tracks. But nothing about the scene made sense.
Police renew appeal for information into death of Tamworth teenager Mark Haines on 32nd anniversary
The Real Reason I Took a Break From Reporting Aboriginal Deaths in Australia
FAMILY OF MARK HAINES STILL SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS 33 YEARS ON
‘Compelling case’: Death of Aboriginal teenager Mark Haines referred to coroner
Black Lives Matter: Mark Haines family calls for witnesses to come forward, bring closure
Notes From Dead Man May Be Key To Solving Aboriginal Teen’s Mystery Death
Mark Haines’ family march on Tamworth police station demanding justice
Mounting pressure for Aboriginal death to be solved 30 years on
‘Black lives matter’: Mark Haines’ family continues to fight for justice
The Unsung Heroes
Don Craigie (L), Mark’s uncle, and David Shoebridge (R), MP for the Greens Party have been fighting to get justice.
Mark Anthony Haines
Born September 12 1970. Mysteriously died January 16 1988.
Article About the Case
One of the first articles published following the death of Mark Anthony Haines.
See notable locations in the case
I created a Google map that plots out notable locations related to the case. Including a timeline of movements and notable witness reports.
Special thanks to Allan Clarke
Listen to Unravel: Blood on the Tracks
If you want to hear a deep dive on this case, please listen to Unravel: Blood on the Tracks. Allan clearly poured his heart and soul into the production.
Listen to the Podcast
Footsteps on the Tracks
Allan Clarke wrote an excellent article for the ABC that details Mark’s case. Without Allan, this case, and many others like it, wouldn’t have the media coverage they deserve. He deserves massive credit for the hard work he’s done to get justice for so many Aboriginal families.